Billy Woods’ Ingenious Horrorcore Album for the A24 Audience

Billy Woods stands out in the music scene with his impressive track record delivering compelling albums. Known for his solo projects like 'Hiding Places' and 'Maps', alongside collaborations under the name Armand Hammer with Elucid, his portfolio is filled with iconic classics. His latest work, 'Golliwog', marks his most intense and somber exploration yet.

Unlike conventional horrorcore acts such as Geto Boys, Gravediggaz, and Insane Clown Posse who often use brutal and shocking imagery, Woods presents a narrative more akin to an A24 film than a horror movie from Blumhouse.

The album opens with a track called 'Jumpscare,' beginning with the eerie sound of a film reel, transitioning into a haunting melody from a music box and bizarre line: “Ragdoll playing dead. Rabid dog in the yard, car won’t start, it’s bees in your head.” The expectation is set for horror tropes, yet it transforms into a psychological ordeal as layers of cacophonic voices fold into screeching sounds, concluding with Woods’s focus: 'The English language is violence, I hotwired it. I got a hold of the master’s tools and got dialed in.'

The Craft of Horror in Sound

Woods collaborates with producers to evoke genuine tension rather than relying on simple jump scares. For instance, ‘Waterproof Mascara’ uses the rhythm of a woman's cry to create a haunting soundscape, and ‘Pitchforks & Halos’ uses Kenny Segal’s production to evoke the feeling of a killer's perspective. 'All These Worlds are Yours', crafted by DJ Haram, recalls early industrial sounds more than other tracks like ‘Golgotha’, which layers traditional boombap beats with somber New Orleans horns.

Lyricism and Themes

Woods's lyrics unite the terrifying realities of social injustice and historical colonialism with imagery straight out of a chilling narrative, creating reflective moments. On 'Corinthians', he shifts from bravado to a sharp critique on global crises, seamlessly weaving in lines like: 'If you never came back from the dead you can’t tell me shit. Twelve billion USD hovering over the Gaza Strip. You don’t wanna know what it costs to live. What it costs to hide behind eyelids. When your back's turned, secret cannibals lick their lips.'

Billy Woods' 'Golliwog' is filled with storytelling that bridges confrontation and contemplation, horror blended with poignant emotions. It's available on major streaming platforms, ensuring his dark and innovative voice reaches a wide audience.